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Best Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in Illinois

2023 Best Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in Illinois

40 Schools Ranked
$12,507 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$9,784 Avg Student Debt

Today's trade school students have lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house.

The Best Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in Illinois ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 40 schools in Illinois to see which ones offered the best undergraduate certificate programs for trade school students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Trade Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois
91 Total Awards
$63,468 Average Tuition & Fees
$32,689 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Northwestern University to be the best school for trade school students who want to pursue a undergraduate certificate in Illinois. Located in Evanston, Illinois, the large private not-for-profit school handed out 91 undergraduate certificate awards in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $63,468 to cover tuition and fees at Northwestern. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $32,689 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Northwestern. In 2020-2021 about 0% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#2

DeVry University - Illinois

Naperville, Illinois
2,903 Total Awards
$15,032 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,207 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend DeVry University - Illinois. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in Illinois list. Naperville, Illinois is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out undergraduate certificates to 2,903 students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at DeVry University - Illinois is $15,032. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,207 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at DeVry University - Illinois. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 99% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full DeVry University - Illinois Report

#3

Rock Valley College

Rockford, Illinois
150 Total Awards
$10,484 Average Tuition & Fees
$7,634 Avg Student Debt

The excellent undergraduate certificate programs at Rock Valley College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in Illinois. Rock Valley College is a medium-sized public school located in Rockford, Illinois that handed out 150 undergraduate certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Rock Valley College is $10,484. Out-of-state students pay an average of $20,384. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Rock Valley College accumulate an average of $7,634 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Rock Valley College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 64% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Rock Valley College Report

#4

Rasmussen University - Illinois

Rockford, Illinois
111 Total Awards
$14,294 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,099 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Rasmussen University - Illinois is a great place for trade school students working on their undergraduate certificate. Rasmussen University - Illinois is a private for-profit institution located in Rockford, Illinois. The school has a small population, and it awarded 111 undergraduate certificates in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Rasmussen University - Illinois is $14,294. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,099 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Rasmussen University - Illinois. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 65% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Rasmussen University - Illinois Report

#5

William Rainey Harper College

Palatine, Illinois
1,005 Total Awards
$9,942 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,644 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means William Rainey Harper College is a great place for trade school students working on their undergraduate certificate. Harper College is a public institution located in Palatine, Illinois. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,005 undergraduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Illinois pay an average of $9,942 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Harper College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,754. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,644 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Harper College does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 71% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

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283 Total Awards
$6,568 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their undergraduate certificate. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the medium-sized public school awarded 283 diplomas to qualifed undergraduate certificate students in 2021-2022.

Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Malcolm X College accumulate an average of $6,568 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Malcolm X College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 77% took at least some of their classes online.

Full City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College Report

#8

College of Lake County

Grayslake, Illinois
1,183 Total Awards
$9,842 Average Tuition & Fees

College of Lake County came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in Illinois ranking. Located in Grayslake, Illinois, the fairly large public school handed out 1,183 undergraduate certificate awards in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Illinois pay an average of $9,842 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend College of Lake County. Out-of-state students pay an average of $13,118.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at College of Lake County. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 78% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on College of Lake County

#9

Oakton Community College

Des Plaines, Illinois
544 Total Awards
$10,446 Average Tuition & Fees

Oakton Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #9 on the list. Oakton Community College is a public institution located in Des Plaines, Illinois. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 544 undergraduate certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Oakton Community College is $10,446. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $12,462.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Oakton Community College. In fact, around 80% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Oakton Community College Report

#10

Joliet Junior College

Joliet, Illinois
390 Total Awards
$12,750 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,912 Avg Student Debt

Joliet Junior College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #10 on the list. Joliet Junior College is located in Joliet, Illinois and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 390 undergraduate certificates to qualified students.

Students from Illinois who attend Joliet Junior College full time pay an average of $12,750 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $13,800. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,912 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Joliet Junior College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 64% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Joliet Junior College Report

#11

South Suburban College

South Holland, Illinois
242 Total Awards
$11,033 Average Tuition & Fees

South Suburban College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #11 on the list. Located in South Holland, Illinois, the small public school awarded 242 diplomas to qualifed undergraduate certificate students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at SSC is $11,033. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,683.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since SSC does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 46% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full South Suburban College Report

#12

Elgin Community College

Elgin, Illinois
534 Total Awards
$7,140 Average Tuition & Fees
$3,402 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Elgin Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their undergraduate certificate. This medium-sized public school is located in Elgin, Illinois, and it awarded 534 undergraduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Illinois pay an average of $7,140 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend ECC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,516. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $3,402 in student loans.

Online courses are available at ECC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2020-2021 year, about 80% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#13

Lake Land College

Mattoon, Illinois
654 Total Awards
$8,104 Average Tuition & Fees
$5,918 Avg Student Debt

Lake Land College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in Illinois ranking. Lake Land College is a public institution located in Mattoon, Illinois. The school has a small population, and it awarded 654 undergraduate certificates in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $8,104 in tuition and fees if they attend Lake Land College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $13,905. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $5,918 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Lake Land College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 47% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Lake Land College

#14

Kaskaskia College

Centralia, Illinois
225 Total Awards
$7,530 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #14, Kaskaskia College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their undergraduate certificate. Kaskaskia College is a small public school located in Centralia, Illinois that handed out 225 undergraduate certificates in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $7,530 in tuition and fees if they attend Kaskaskia College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $12,330.

Kaskaskia College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 55% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#15

Waubonsee Community College

Sugar Grove, Illinois
85 Total Awards
$10,626 Average Tuition & Fees

Waubonsee Community College ranked #15 on this year’s Best Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in Illinois list. Waubonsee Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Sugar Grove, Illinois that handed out 85 undergraduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Illinois pay an average of $10,626 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Waubonsee. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,496.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Waubonsee. During the 2020-2021 year, about 62% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Waubonsee Community College Report

#16

Black Hawk College

Moline, Illinois
280 Total Awards
$7,597 Avg Student Debt

Black Hawk College ranked #16 on this year’s Best Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in Illinois list. This small public school is located in Moline, Illinois, and it awarded 280 undergraduate certificates in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $7,597 in student loans.

BHC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 59% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#17

Olney Central College

Olney, Illinois
87 Total Awards
$10,056 Average Tuition & Fees
$6,931 Avg Student Debt

Olney Central College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in Illinois ranking. Olney Central College is a public institution located in Olney, Illinois. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 87 undergraduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Illinois who attend Olney Central College full time pay an average of $10,056 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $12,082. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $6,931 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Olney Central College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 28% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Olney Central College Report

#18

Lincoln Land Community College

Springfield, Illinois
181 Total Awards
$6,840 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,408 Avg Student Debt

Lincoln Land Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in Illinois ranking. Lincoln Land Community College is a small public school located in Springfield, Illinois that handed out 181 undergraduate certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at LLCC is $6,840. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,068. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $8,408 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at LLCC. During the 2020-2021 year, about 54% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Lincoln Land Community College

#19

John A Logan College

Carterville, Illinois
133 Total Awards
$5,990 Average Tuition & Fees

John A Logan College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #19 on the list. John A Logan College is a public institution located in Carterville, Illinois. The school has a small population, and it awarded 133 undergraduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Illinois who attend John A Logan College full time pay an average of $5,990 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,370.

John A Logan College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 45% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#20

Sauk Valley Community College

Dixon, Illinois
151 Total Awards
$11,580 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,142 Avg Student Debt

Sauk Valley Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #20 on the list. Located in Dixon, Illinois, the small public school awarded 151 diplomas to qualifed undergraduate certificate students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $11,580 in tuition and fees if they attend Sauk Valley Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,840. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Sauk Valley Community College accumulate an average of $9,142 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Sauk Valley Community College. In fact, around 49% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#21

Rend Lake College

Ina, Illinois
296 Total Awards
$6,450 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #21, Rend Lake College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their undergraduate certificate. Rend Lake College is a public institution located in Ina, Illinois. The school has a small population, and it awarded 296 undergraduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Illinois who attend Rend Lake College full time pay an average of $6,450 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,200.

Rend Lake College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 48% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#22

Illinois Central College

East Peoria, Illinois
62 Total Awards
$8,317 Avg Student Debt

Illinois Central College landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best undergraduate certificate trade school programs. Illinois Central College is a medium-sized public school located in East Peoria, Illinois that handed out 62 undergraduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Undergraduate Certificate recipients from ICC accumulate an average of $8,317 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at ICC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 62% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Illinois Central College Report

#23

Illinois Valley Community College

Oglesby, Illinois
309 Total Awards
$13,169 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,659 Avg Student Debt

Illinois Valley Community College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in Illinois ranking. Located in Oglesby, Illinois, the small public school awarded 309 diplomas to qualifed undergraduate certificate students in 2021-2022.

Students from Illinois who attend IVCC full time pay an average of $13,169 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $14,314. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,659 in student loans.

IVCC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2020-2021 year, about 40% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Illinois Valley Community College

#24

Lewis and Clark Community College

Godfrey, Illinois
383 Total Awards
$9,552 Average Tuition & Fees
$7,313 Avg Student Debt

Lewis and Clark Community College landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best undergraduate certificate trade school programs. This small public school is located in Godfrey, Illinois, and it awarded 383 undergraduate certificates in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $9,552 in tuition and fees if they attend Lewis and Clark Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $12,552. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Lewis and Clark Community College accumulate an average of $7,313 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Lewis and Clark Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 33% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Lewis and Clark Community College

#25

Moraine Valley Community College

Palos Hills, Illinois
358 Total Awards
$8,310 Average Tuition & Fees

Moraine Valley Community College ranked #25 on this year’s Best Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in Illinois list. MVCC is a public institution located in Palos Hills, Illinois. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 358 undergraduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Illinois who attend MVCC full time pay an average of $8,310 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,630.

Some students may be able to take online classes at MVCC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 61% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Moraine Valley Community College

Best Trade Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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